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Upon receiving the news of the Tailed Beast's rampage within the Jinchuriki's body, a large number of Sand Shinobi rushed to the Wind Altar.
This included the Third Kazekage.
He appeared with a gloomy expression but still directed his forces methodically.
Suddenly, he urgently asked a ninja rushing toward him,
"Retrieve it from the altar quickly! Otherwise, we won't be able to quell the Shukaku's rampage!"
Hearing the Kazekage's words, a heavily injured Yoruichi hurriedly arrived, taking out an oddly-shaped ancient vessel made from deer antlers from her pocket.
"Fortunately, we found it, Lord Kazekage!"
Seeing the ancient vessel, a hint of excitement flashed in the Kazekage's eyes.
On the battlefield,
The rampaging Shukaku continued to wreak havoc!
This left the Wind Altar in shambles, with many Sand Shinobi's bodies buried under the rubble, crushed by the sand and stones.
Countless Sand Shinobi were almost helpless against this colossal creature!
After all,
Whether its physical prowess or its chakra, the Shukaku was overwhelming!
Human methods were simply too feeble against such a terrifying monster.
At that moment!
A person held the ancient vessel in their arms, aiming it at the rampaging Shukaku on the altar!
After chanting a lengthy and intricate ancient incantation,
"Boom!" A burst of light erupted from the Deer Horn Cup and shot towards the Shukaku!
Upon impact, the Shukaku's massive form started visibly shrinking at an astonishing rate!
"You damn human! That... brat... I won't... let you get away with this!!"
Boom—
Countless sand and stones collapsed onto the ground, sending up plumes of dust and waves of energy!
Seeing this scene, all the Sand Shinobi present let out a sigh of relief and silently began to recover their comrades' bodies.
The Third Kazekage gazed at this scene silently, speechless for a long time.
Is this a victory... something to be excited about...
If it is, then what are the bodies of so many fallen Sand Shinobi here to signify...
The battle against the Tailed Beasts is inherently a tragic war for the shinobi...
...
Several days later,
A shocking piece of news spread throughout the ninja world!
The One-Tail Shukaku in the Wind Country went on a rampage!
This resulted in hundreds of Sand Shinobi losing their lives while trying to seal away the Shukaku!
In response, the Sand Village pointed the blame directly at their neighboring village, the Leaf Village!
The Sand Village's stance was uncompromising!
They ceased negotiations with the Leaf Village and declared direct involvement in the war!
Due to this Tailed Beast rampage incident, the Leaf Village was left in a vulnerable position.
Fortunately, the Sand Village also suffered significant casualties from the Tailed Beast incident, which didn't burden the Leaf Village too much.
Since the Sand Village's announcement of joining the war and opposing the Leaf Village, there seemed to be little change on the surface.
However, everyone knew that this was merely the calm before the storm.
The Tailed Beast rampage incident was still brewing...
...
Inside the Sand Village,
In the Kazekage's office located at the center of the domed structure,
Several high-ranking Sand Shinobi were present, their brows furrowed.
"Who could it be? How were they able to successfully kill the guarding ninja at the altar and release the Shukaku!?"
With a furrowed brow, Chiyo asked in a heavy tone.
As her words trailed off, the others also wore solemn expressions, deep in thought.
The Kazekage sat in the central seat, his expression slightly darkened, his thoughts hidden.
Chiyo glanced at Ebizō and inquired,
"Ebizō, why don't you share your thoughts on this?"
"Normally, you're quite full of ideas!" Upon hearing Chiyo's address, Ebizō's face showed a slight embarrassment, and he helplessly responded, "Sister, don't call me that way..."
Taking a deep breath, he spoke in a slightly solemn tone, "Looking at the identity of the assailants this time, it seems most likely to be from Konoha, but that's also the most suspicious point!"
His words captured everyone's attention, and his gaze became slightly serious as he continued to analyze, "The testimony from the Jinchuriki split into two versions. One claims that there were three youths who attacked, with even Uchiha and Hyūga clan members among them. Remember, these two clans are prominent in Konoha!"
"However, the surviving experimental subjects mention that the attackers were three adult ninja!"
"No doubt, these two accounts contradict each other!"
"But this is the enemy's cunning... without concrete evidence, we can't prove anything."
"The enemy has left us with too many doubts and purposely muddled the situation. That's their terrifying aspect."
At this point, everyone listened with a puzzled expression, while Ebizō let out a deep sigh.
"No choice, after this event, the Sand Village must take action. Whether it was Konoha or not, we can only accept this."
"Although... this might be the enemy's true intention..."
Ebizō, as a strategic figure in the Sand Village, held a high level of credibility in his words.
Presenting his analysis now, he left the higher-ups slightly shocked, unable to fathom what the puppeteer behind the scenes was truly scheming.
Could it be that a major power wanted to reap benefits from the war between the three nations?
As a Kazekage, he was naturally quite astute. After listening to Ebizō's words,
He lifted his head slightly, exchanging a wise look with Ebizō.
Both of them were clever individuals, naturally understanding each other's speculations!
Iwa...
At this point,
Ebizō's expression became grave as he spoke in a slightly heavier tone, "The identity of the attackers isn't the terrifying part. What's truly frightening is who is behind this..."
"Our war with Konoha can only progress slowly, guarding against... those who are secretly watching from the shadows..."
Hearing this, the Third Kazekage's eyes grew serious, nodding deeply.
....
Within the borders of the Land of Rain.
The Hidden Rain Village.
Today, the sky unusually cleared from the thick clouds, revealing a ray of sunlight.
This scene brought a touch of happiness to the village's inhabitants.
After all, no one would willingly face the gloomy sky day in and day out.
Inside the towering structures of the Rain Village,
Apart from Genta being out on missions, the upper echelons of the village gathered here.
The leader of the Rain Village, Hanzō, looked at the relatively bright sky outside, his eyes somewhat absent, as he said in a slightly melancholic voice, "It's been so long since we've seen such a beautiful sight in the Rain Village..."
Beside him, a gentle-faced ninja walked over and stood by his side.
With a joyful expression, he looked at the sky outside, softly saying, "Is this a sign given by fate to the Rain Village? Perhaps this war will truly bring a brighter future to the Rain Village. And this beautiful scene won't be a luxurious fantasy for our villagers anymore."
Hearing his words, Hanzō turned around, his gaze slightly heavy, and said in a solemn voice, "You're right, Kagari."
"This is a sign from fate..."
"Sand Village's involvement in the war... this is a tremendous piece of good news for us... Wait... I will lead the village to a new height!"
His words held a strong and confident power, and the upper echelons of the Rain Village looked at Hanzō with full belief.
Kagari's face was filled with admiration as he gazed at Hanzō, who had a serious expression, his eyes burning with respect.
....
Throughout history, around great leaders, there are always followers, and their unique charisma attracts countless admirers to follow them.
As for Hanzō of the Rain, who can say he won't usher in a new era...
.....
At the same time,
In a dense forest along the border of the Land of Rain,
Three figures appeared slowly.
"Captain Aizen, what should we do next?"
The pale-eyed youth followed closely behind the upright and gentle-looking young man, asking respectfully.
Hearing his question,
The mild-mannered youth gazed at the clearing sky and smiled slightly, murmuring, "The Land of Rain even has such a splendid sunlight? How beautiful..."
"We've been out for too long... it seems we should head back now... Let's go."
His magnetic voice softly fell.
The three figures gradually disappeared into the thick jungle.